NFL, CBS to partner in broadcasting Thursday Night Football in 2014

The deal is for the 2014 season with an option for an additional year at the NFL's option

The Lions' 2013 Thursday game was their annual Thanksgiving Day Classic. (Photo: G. Smith/Detroit Lions)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today along with president and CEO of CBS Corp. Leslie Moonves and chairman of CBS Sports Sean McManus that the league will partner with CBS to produce and televise Thursday Night Football for the 2014 season.

CBS will air eight early-season games that will be simulcast on NFL Network with NFLN also television eight late-season games in the run up to the playoffs.

The games include 14 on Thursday nights and two late-season games on Saturday. The agreement is for the 2014 season with an additional year at the NFL's option.

"NFL Network built Thursday into a night for NFL fans," said Goodell in na press release sent out Wednesday afternoon.

"Our goal is to bring these games to more fans on broadcast television with unprecedented promotion and visibility for Thursday Night Football on CBS."

The games will be produced by CBS with its lead broadcasters and production team, including Jim Nantz and Phil Simms.

"The NFL is the most powerful programming in television," said McManus. "To add a primetime NFL package to our successful Sunday AFC package further strengthens our position in the sports marketplace.

"We look forward to having Jim and Phil and our top production team showcased in prime time on Thursday nights."